Pages

Missoula POTHOLES! Really!

This is the worst year for potholes in Missoula that I have ever seen. They seem to materialize overnight. They are like bedbug infestations. Too bad scientists can't come up with a liquid glue, rubber-based material made from old tires that could be poured into potholes as a temporary fix until the spring rains end and temperatures are warm enough for hot asphalt mix to take hold.

This winter we have experienced nearly constant snow on the ground since the end of October, with repeated cycles of "thaw/freeze-thaw/freeze." The expansion of freezing water into ice creates cracks, then thawing enables more water to enter the larger crack, which freezes and expands the crack further. Repeated traffic over the pothole also breaks the edges and increases the size of the pit. Winter mix ashpalt patches don't hold because they are not waterproof. Real patches require hotmix asphalt and a warm street, with tacking oil applied to the hole prior to filling and compacting.